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I endorse Barack Obama enthusiastically and without reservation, because of his leadership.
Senator Obama has articulated a positive direction for America – investing in innovation and the technologies of the future, restoring respect for government, helping working families get affordable health insurance and send their children to college, encouraging good companies to create jobs in America, exiting from Iraq and working more closely with America’s allies rather than acting preemptively and unilaterally.

Sure, I can quibble with details of one or another policy paper, wish he were addressing a pet issue or two, disagree with some of his stands (e.g., on trade agreements), play “gotcha” with some rhetorical distortions, and want him to know that he is not perfect and must prove himself every single day.

But honestly, which of us truly believes that any presidential candidate’s plans and promises will be implemented exactly as formulated in the campaign? In a world where surprises are the new normal, there are always new facts to weigh. There are processes of discussion and deliberation. Leaders must continue to sell their ideas once in office, and to do this requires listening to a range of ideas even with a vision or direction as a starting point.

Recently asked to define in one sentence what I think my Harvard MBAs should take away from their leadership education, I answered with this lesson from recent history: Never invade a country without having a plan for what to do next. (Unfortunately, the current President Bush missed that class.) Senator McCain’s impulsive “maverick” streak, manifested in his vice presidential pick, makes me fear that does not think through the long-term consequences of opportunistic actions. In contrast, Senator Obama has been remarkably steady, calm, and deliberative. He appears grounded in principles and good at anticipating what might happen next before rushing into action. Two of his Harvard Law School professors have told me that he was not only one of the smartest students they had ever taught, but what really stood out was that he has the best judgment.

Senator Obama’s ability to think through complex issues, weigh arguments on all sides, and define a nuanced course of action has been on display for a long time, from his book, The Audacity of Hope, through the presidential candidate debates. I imagine that this skill derives from dealing with the contradictions in his own history, as he has straddled white and black worlds, and as he has combined sophisticated legal theories with the street smarts of community organizing. Senator Obama has rarely veered to extremes nor left anyone out. His stunning speech on race last winter focused on strengthening American institutions such as public education for the benefit of all people, not just one group. On the ubiquitous vote-with-your-pocketbook question of taxes, Senator Obama is focused on tax breaks for 95% of the population. Yes, he is leaving the top 5% out of his tax breaks, but as one of that 5% who will have to pay more, I like a candidate who asks the privileged to step up to the challenges of our times. Senator Obama’s call to service is also appealing. American democracy rests on civic engagement at the grass roots. Senator McCain supports national service intellectually, but Senator Obama appears to believe in it viscerally.

Senator Obama has run a campaign that positions him to run the country effectively. He has already given millions of other Americans more voice. In addition to extensive use of the Internet to raise money, his campaign has encouraged online and offline communities of interest, such as national councils linked by conference calls and local neighborhoods with meet-ups. Being elected is only the first step; the permanent campaign will be to sell his ideas. He will come with an informed, active base of engaged citizens and the tools of the 21st century.

Senator Obama has another mark of a great leader. He surrounds himself with people who are smarter than he is. . Sometimes too much experience can be a handicap, because then leaders stop asking questions. Senator Obama relies not only on what he knows and thinks; he listens to experts. He chose Senator Biden as his running mate, who is not only qualified to be a heartbeat away from the President but is also highly experienced in foreign affairs, bringing a substantive strength to the table.

The Presidency is not a reward for past service; it requires future-oriented qualifications. I echo General Colin Powell and others in finding Senator Obama a transformational figure. Leaders are role models who come to symbolize what their nation can become. Barack Obama the man might have flaws and imperfections. Barack Obama the President will raise aspirations for many who now feel left out and demoralized. He will restore confidence that America can live up to our finest values of generosity and inclusion, and that in itself, coupled with the right stimulus plan, will help restore economic confidence, too.

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